Steam Expands Beyond Games: Offers Consumer Apps

Valve Corporation needs no introduction, as practically all of their products turned out to be massive hits. However, their most successful product is without any doubt – Steam digital distribution service. This is also probably the most revenue-per-employee service in the world. According to Valve, the Steam team is consisted out of 19 people and is responsible for billions of dollars in revenue (Valve is a privately owned company).

With 54 million accounts and over 40 million active games, it is clear that Steam is the dominating digital distribution channel for games on Windows or Apple Mac OS platforms. However, the company isn’t satisfied with the current state of play and has decided to expand beyond games. First notions of the move were shown in August, during the GamesCom 2012 in Germany. Those notions just became a reality, as they announced the first batch of non-gaming titles available on Steam.

The software apps available on Steam are"

ArtRage Studio Pro

CameraBag 2

GameMaker: Studio

3D-Coat

3DMark 11

3DMark Vantage

Some of the launch apps use Steamworks features, such as automatic updating, easy installation, easy backup and of course, using Steam Cloud space for backing up data.

In any case, there’s no doubt that Valve will keep on expanding its service. We wonder if the company is considering movies and music, as their user-friendly backup service just might prove to be the ticket.

About the AuthorTheo Valich

Focused on creating synergy between various industries, creating next-gen solutions.
Passionate about the new and emerging technologies. Work experience spans from game development and event organizing, editing magazine and on-line publications to aerospace development.
Specialties: Team Leadership / Management / Technical Consultant / Funding.
Enjoys travelling around the world and meeting new people. :)